Joe pauses within his narrative to permit himself more detailed reflection on the events, for example at the start of chapter two; "Best to slow down. Let's give the half minute after John Logan's fall careful consideration." This need for accuracy appears to stem from his interest and knowledge of science, comparing his own detailed account of this particular half minute to the idea that "Whole books, whole research departments are dedicated to the first half minute in the history of the universe." His narrative directly reflects that of scientists and the method in which they examine evidence. Joe increases the feeling of his narrative telling a story post-events by freezing the frame, "there's a security in stillness-to describe our circle" exercising his ability to control the novel. Joe's interest in storytelling with accuracy appears to be reflected in his interest in science and his occupation as a scientific journalist. One of Joe's articles focuses on "the luxury of storytelling in published articles" bringing together all his character traits which make him a more reliable narrator. However, this replaying of events by being described as "our story" suggests that he really is telling just a story, a version of reality, which may or may not be completely accurate. .
Joe, as a scientific character, both depends upon and has a desperate need to justify events through rational, rather than through the explanations of emotions such as the strong ones Jed Parry holds. This analysing through rational explanations serves to detach Joe emotionally from the events, making him a slightly more reliable narrator because his narrative isn't dominated by emotional perceptions early in the novel. However, as the novel precedes it seems he becomes increasingly "obsessed" with Jed Parry's obsession with him. Joe's wife Clarissa recognises the change in him; " "You ought to ask yourself which way this fixation runs" ".
